The most common root vegetables and provisions used in Caribbean Cuisine and other cuisines

Root vegetables and Provisions are stapled foods in many world cuisines. These ingredients are consumed in many ways, boiled, fried, baked, roasted, grilled, and essential to a healthy diet.

Here are seven root vegetables and provisions.

Patates:

Patates are root vegetables, and similar to sweet potatoes, are a staple in many cuisines in the world. They are a good source of healthy nutrients, vitamins, fiber, and potassium.

Patates are eaten boiled, fried, grilled, roasted, and baked.

Check out this recipe for Patates:

• Pain Patate or Sweet Potato Bread
• Sweet Potatoes with Vinaigrette, the perfect side dish

Plantains:

Plantains are getting more popular than ever before. In many Caribbean islands and Latin America, plantains are practically eaten almost every day. It is one of the best side dishes served with many entrees. They are filled with healthy antioxidants that may help boost your immune system.

Check out these plantain recipes.

• Baked Spicy and Sweet Plantains
• Green Plantains with Tomatoes and Broccoli

Potatoes

Same texture as patates and sweet potatoes, starchy, and one of the most consumed root vegetables in America. Potatoes are packed with nutrients a great source of many vitamins and minerals.

Check out these potatoes recipes:

• Delicious and Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes with Codfish
• Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes with Leeks

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are also called sweet yam. They are very popular during the holidays and especially on Thanksgiving Day in the United and Canada. They are sweet, starchy, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

Check out these sweet potatoes recipes:

• Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
• Easy Roasted Sweet and White Potatoes

Yam

Yams are more common in the Caribbean, West Indian, and Latin American communities, not to be confused with sweet potatoes. They are a staple in our cuisine and are best consumed boiled. Yam is also starchy and filled with great health benefits.

Check out these recipes with yam.

• Spicy Pan-Roasted Yam with Chicken Breast
• Yam and Leek with Saffron Puree

Yautia or Malanga

Yautia or Malanga is also called Taro. This super ingredient is an excellent source of potassium that can help prevent certain conditions related to high blood pressure and more.

Check out this recipe:

• How to make Haitian Accra, an updated version

Yucca

Yucca is a great immunity booster. It contains lots amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. It is an excellent substitute for potatoes.

Check out the recipe for Yucca.

• Boiled Yucca with Pan Roasted Red Onions

Where to buy the root vegetables and provisions

Like many food items, root vegetables and provisions are sold in supermarkets. These items are available in both international markets and American Markets. These ingredients are not too costly in many neighborhoods. They are usually sold by the pound and must be consumed very quickly or they will go bad.

How to consume and preserve

To preserve the vegetables, simply leave them out in a basket or bowl. They do not need to be refrigerated. When you refrigerate these vegetables, they tend to go bad very quickly.

Besides boiling, frying, baking, roasting, or grilling, the vegetables are excellent add-ons to soups and stews.

One of the best ways to enjoy is pan roasting. It is quite an easy and simple method.

• Remove the skin of the vegetable you want to use.
• Cut into bite size
• Wash and dry the pieces
• In a skillet, add olive oil.
• Add the vegetables pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
• Under low heat, sauté the vegetables pieces and turning occasionally until throughouly cooked.
• You can add onion, fresh herbs and vegetables to create recipes you will enjoy.

Source

• https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/plantain-nutrition-benefits#antioxidants
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-benefits